Revitalizing Raleigh’s Southern Gateway: Maeve

Raleigh’s downtown is evolving, and at the heart of its transformation is Maeve, a modern high-rise development that redefines the city’s southern gateway. Spearheaded by Capital Square, this ambitious project not only introduces a high-end residential experience but also harnesses the power of federal Opportunity Zone incentives to stimulate investment in an underdeveloped area. 

From the outset, the development team faced significant hurdles—navigating zoning regulations, overcoming infrastructure challenges, and aligning with stakeholder expectations— all while adhering to an aggressive timeline targeting Q1 2025 for residential unit delivery.  

Bohler played a critical role in tackling these challenges head-on, providing strategic site civil engineering solutions and fostering collaboration between the developer, City officials, and design teams.  

The result? A transformative project that blends modern amenities with thoughtful urban planning to drive economic growth and community revitalization in downtown Raleigh. 

Maximizing Investment Through Opportunity Zone Incentives

A key driver behind the development of Maeve was its inclusion in the CSRA Opportunity Zone Fund VII, LLC, a program designed to attract private investment to economically distressed areas through tax incentives. The project replaces a site previously occupied by deteriorating buildings, transforming it into a 22-story luxury condominium tower that brings nearly 300 residential units, ground-floor retail, a spacious parking garage, and a rooftop pool with an open-air amenity center to downtown Raleigh. 

By leveraging the Opportunity Zone program, Capital Square secured critical funding, including more than $48 million from accredited investors through its CSRA Opportunity Zone Fund VI, LLC. This strategic financial approach not only made the high-profile development feasible but also aligned with broader efforts to revitalize the area.

To date, Capital Square’s Opportunity Zone funds have fueled more than $330 million in development value, demonstrating the program’s powerful impact on urban growth and economic renewal. 

Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges

The development encountered significant infrastructure challenges, particularly due to the presence of critical underground gravity utilities, serving a large portion of downtown Raleigh from a stormwater and sanitary sewer perspective. The project had always contemplated the relocation of an 18” sanitary sewer main from within the property limits to run within the right of way.  However, a 72-inch stormwater pipe was encountered running parallel with the sewer line, rather than in the center of the street as anticipated. Bohler worked with the project team to find strategic solutions that avoided major disruptions. 

Bohler played a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, conducting extensive analysis and working closely with the City of Raleigh to develop an innovative solution. The team successfully rerouted the sanitary sewer line between the building and the existing storm pipe—an approach that demanded multiple engineering seals, City approvals, and a “no practical alternatives” analysis to ensure compliance with municipal standards. 

Additionally, stormwater management posed another challenge within the project’s dense urban footprint. To maximize developable space while meeting regulatory requirements, Bohler’s engineers integrated precast concrete vaults within the parking garage footprint, optimizing stormwater storage and treatment without compromising design efficiency.  

Navigating Complex Approval Processes

The development required seamless coordination and proactive problem-solving to stay on schedule. The permitting process involved close collaboration with multiple City review agencies across several concurrent submissions, including City Administrative Site Review, City Site Permit Review, Right of Way Abandonments and Dedications, Design Alternates, and a Recombination Plat. 

To streamline design and approvals, Bohler brought agency reviewers and stakeholders together to address overlapping design elements and align on key requirements. Capital Square also leveraged its investment impact when necessary to gain City support. 

Bohler took a proactive approach by engaging directly with City officials to escalate critical issues and keep the process moving. Through close coordination with JDavis Architects, the team successfully advocated for practical solutions, minimizing bureaucratic slowdowns and maintaining project momentum. 

Beyond permitting, Bohler collaborated closely with WM Jordan, the project’s construction partner, to maintain momentum by responding to RFIs promptly, resolving field issues quickly, and keeping key stakeholders informed. 

Delivering on a Vision

Bohler’s expertise played a pivotal role in transforming the vision for Maeve into reality. By addressing infrastructure challenges, streamlining the permitting process, and fostering strong collaboration with city departments, Bohler helped drive the project forward. Through strategic problem-solving, proactive stakeholder engagement, and innovative site design, the team ensured steady progress while navigating the complexities of a rapidly growing downtown environment. 

Learn more about this transformative project here.